Russia and Indonesia have a number of promising space projects, with Russia in particular having the experience for training a future Indonesian astronaut, according to Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov.
He said, “The intensification of our space dialogue was helped by an Indonesian high-level delegation’s attendance of the Russian Space Forum held in Moscow last month. The portfolio already contains a number of promising projects. In particular, Russia has the expertise and the experience needed to prepare and organize a flight of the first Indonesian astronaut.”
Russia is set to develop international space cooperation and is working with a number of countries on pre-contractual training of national astronauts.
The potential for Russia training Indonesian astronauts came last month during the meeting between Russian President Putin and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
Indonesia’s Foreign Minister, Sugiono, said following that meeting that this step towards Indonesia’s space program is not just about sending personnel—it is a symbol of national progress. The shift is real: Indonesia and Russia elevated their strategic partnership status in 2025, and space cooperation is now part of that upgraded relationship. He said that “Our president also conveyed the possibility of Indonesia sending its best and most selected people to participate in Russia’s cosmonaut program.”
The proposal is still being explored, not finalized. No names have been announced. No timeline has been set. But the fact that it was discussed at a presidential level—inside the Kremlin—means it has serious weight behind it.
For Indonesian engineers, scientists, and young professionals watching the space industry grow, this is the kind of news that quietly reshapes what feels possible.
There is also an element of regional status at play. Malaysia sent Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor to the International Space Station in 2007. Indonesia, Southeast Asia’s largest economy, has never had a citizen in orbit. This move could change that story.